Half a Chance

A moving new middle-grade novel from the Newbery Honor author of RULES. When Lucy's family moves to an old house on a lake, Lucy tries to see her new home through her camera's lens, as her father has taught her -- he's a famous photographer, away on a shoot. Will her photos ever meet his high standards? When she discovers that he's judging a photo contest, Lucy decides to enter anonymously. She wants to find out if her eye for photography is really special -- or only good enough.As she seeks out subjects for her photos, Lucy gets to know Nate, the boy next door. But slowly the camera reveals what Nate doesn't want to see: his grandmother's memory is slipping away, and with it much of what he cherishes about his summers on the lake. This summer, Nate will learn about the power of art to show truth. And Lucy will learn how beauty can change lives . . . including her own. Praise for Half a Chance:*"[Lord] has combined vivid, cinematic description with deft characterization and handles several important issues with sensitivity, nuance, and great skill... A deeply enjoyable read." -- School Library Journal, starred review*"Lord offers a tender treatment of early adolescent needs and struggles in this thoughtful coming-of-age novel... With subtle but effective imagery and a relatable protagonist, the title speaks to both human loneliness generally and the plight of a young girl in need of friendship." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review*"With winning results, Lord brings the same sensitivity to the subject of dementia that she brought to autism in her Newbery Honor book, Rules." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewPraise for Rules:A Newbery Honor book, Schneider Family Book Award, ALA Notable"Catherine is an endearing narrator who tells her story with both humor and heartbreak... A lovely, warm read, and a great discussion starter." -- School Library Journal Cynthia Lord is the award-winning author of Rules, a Newbery Honor Book and a Schneider Family Book Award winner, as well as the critically acclaimed Half a Chance, A Handful of Stars, and Because of the Rabbit. She made her picture-book debut with Hot Rod Hamster, which won several awards, including the Parents' Choice Award, and is the author of the Shelter Pet Squad chapter book series. She lives in Maine with her family. Visit her at cynthialord.com. From HALF A CHANCE"Lucy, we're going to love this place!" Dad called to me from the porch of the faded, red-shingled cottage with white trim. "We can hang a swing right here and watch the sunset over the lake. And these country roads will be great for biking."While my little dog, Ansel, explored some ferns, I took a deep smell of the pine trees lining the dirt driveway. "I'll buy you a new bike when I get back, Lucy. Would you like that?" Dad asked. "Maybe we can get two bikes," I yelled to him. "So we can ride together." "Great idea!" Dad always promises me things before he leaves and then forgets by the time he's home again. But I couldn't help having that little bit of "I hope so" that this place would be different. That's the thing with new beginnings – sometimes, they're more than just starting over again. Sometimes they change things. "There are more boxes in the van," Mom said, carrying a laundry basket full of kitchen stuff past me and across the flagstones leading up to the front porch steps. "I'll get them in a minute," I promised. "Ansel needs to stretch." But really, I wanted to take my first New Hampshire photo before I went inside and everything got busy. Whenever we move, I take a picture as soon as we arrive. It always makes me feel a little braver, knowing that on some future day I can look back at that photo, taken when it was new and scary, and think, "I made it." Like creating a memory in reverse. Praise for Half a Chance:*"[Lord] has combined vivid, cinematic description with deft characterization and han